Date built - April 1984 Type of System - Activated Sludge / Extended Aeration The design capacity was 1.6 M.G.D. (Million Gallons per Day). However, to meet increasingly stringent water quality standards, the design capacity was decreased to 0.63 M.G.D. Due to current and increasing population, the incoming flow of waste water has surpassed the 0.63 M.G.D. capacities, thus necessitating the current plant expansion of 1.37 M.G.D. bringing the future total to 2.0 M.G.D. Completion of the expansion will meet the demands of an increasing flow for the next 20 years. In the ever changing quagmire of new environmental regulations imposed upon us by the surrounding tribal entities and the E.P.A. (Environmental Protection Agency), we are fully confident this waste water plant can meet the rigid water quality standards until a new major retro-fit will be required. A bi-product of the treatment process called sludge (bio-solids) is stored on site. Upon completion of chemical and biological analysis, the results confirm the sludge has achieved a standard which allows us to furnish it to local farmers with a minimum of five acres of non-human consumption crop. The sludge is incorporated into the soil, which then acts as a soil amendment. For further information contact plant personnel at the number stated below. The treated waste water known as effluent, which has met E.P.A. and tribal regulations is released to the Rio Grande River. The treated effluent is not available for use by the public for irrigation or other purposes. The treatment facility accepts domestic and commercial waste water from within the corporate city limits of Espaņola . The facility does not accept septic dumpers. The facility is staffed by operators certified by the state of New Mexico Water Quality Surface Bureau consisting of the Director, two level IV plant operators, one level I plant operator, one level IV Chief Lab analyst, one Level II lab analyst and an administrative secretary. The Waste Water Facility conducts tours for educational purposes from grade school to college level students. Please contact the plant personal at the number above to make arrangements to schedule a tour. |
